Chapter 31 The Prophecy Revealed
The old stone walls were framed by restless shadows from the flickering candles in the poorly illuminated chamber. The shaman's silver hair cascaded over her shoulders like a river of moonlight as she sat cross-legged on the floor. Standing behind Sharon, Rever's arms were folded tightly across his chest, and every muscle in his body was tense.
With a deep, authoritative voice, Rever commanded, "Speak." "There is no time for riddles."
The shaman stared at Sharon, her eyes glimmering. "Have you not sensed it?" Her voice was mysterious but oddly reassuring as she said. "Your inner strength. The murmur of an unfulfilled destiny.
Sharon moved apprehensively. "I have no idea what you're discussing. I'm simply me.
The shaman chuckled. "No, kid. That is not nearly everything that you are. A wolf unlike any other, you were born under the cursed moon. The energy of the ancient ones, a lineage that is both feared and venerated, is carried in your blood.
"What is meant by that?" With a quivering voice, Sharon inquired. "What should I do with this... this fate here?"
The shaman lowered her voice to a near whisper as she leaned closer. "The prophecy describes a wolf who will stand at the intersection of fate, a wolf who will either bring the packs together under one banner or destroy them."
Rever took a step forward, gritting his teeth. "And you believe that to be Sharon?"
The shaman gave a serious nod. "There isn't any question. Her spirit and aura are exactly in line with the prophecy. However, the decisions she makes will determine the course she follows.
Sharon felt her heart thumping in her chest. "You mean that I could wipe out the werewolf race?"
With an unblinking glare, the shaman replied, "If you let the darkness consume you." "But you might be the long-awaited salvation if you embrace the light within."
"This is crazy," Sharon said as she retreated. "None of this was requested of me."
Rever's hand touched her arm as he extended his arm. "Listen to me, Sharon. Together, we will solve this. This is not something you must handle alone.
The tension was broken by the shaman's speech. But she needs to make a decision quickly. The forces involved won't wait. Pier is aware of her identity and will do whatever it takes to control her.
Rever's eyes grew gloomy. "Give him a chance. He must first pass through me.
The shaman gave a little smile. "Alpha, your dedication is remarkable. However, even you are powerless to protect her from what is coming.
As Sharon and Rever exited the room, the shaman's words lingered in the air. They were each deep in their thoughts, and the quiet between them was deafening. At last, Sharon spoke as they entered the cold night.
Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she questioned, "Do you believe her?"
River paused, staring off into the distance. "I'm not sure. However, I am aware of this and will always defend you. Even if everyone turns against us.
Gazing up at him, Sharon searched his face for signs of comfort. However, what if she is correct? What if I truly have the power to wipe out everything?
Rever's gentle cup of her face grounded her. "You won't. Sharon, I understand your heart. Whatever darkness they believe exists within you, you are stronger than it.
Though uncertainty gnawed at her, she wanted to believe him. Her worry that she was a greater threat to the people she loved than she had ever understood had been roused by the shaman's remarks.
Later that evening, Sharon sat by herself in her room, gazing at the fireplace's flickering flames. Although Rever had insisted on having guards outside her door, she was not comforted by the extra security. Her thoughts replayed the shaman's words, each one a chilling reminder of the burden she now bore.
Her foot snagged on the edge of a loose floorboard as she got up to pace the space. She knelt to examine it, frowning. She struggled to pry the board apart, and behind it, she found a tiny box covered in dust.
She picked up the box and placed it on the bed, her hands shaking. Despite its age and rust, the lock was readily broken by the force of her knife. She discovered a pile of old documents within, their edges yellowed from age. A note written to an unknown person was at the top.
To my beloved Elena,
The script used to write the words was graceful and flowing. When her name was mentioned, Sharon's breath caught and her forehead wrinkled as she continued reading.
If you're reading this, it indicates that our worst nightmares have materialized. The only way to keep Sharon safe is to keep her unaware of her true roots.
As she read the remainder of the letter, her heart was pounding. It described treachery and an agreement made to shield her from a powerful evil. At the bottom of the page, however, was the most startling discovery.
It's not ours, Sharon. She comes from a far older and more deadly family than we could have ever dreamed.
The letter fluttered to the ground after slipping out of her grasp. With her head spinning, she collapsed into the bed. She was lying about everything she believed to be true about herself. Who were her biological parents? From what had they been shielding her? And why was it that the answers seemed so far away?
She was startled by a knock at the door. "Sharon?" From the other side came the voice of the River. "Are you alright?"
Before opening the door, she hurried to conceal the package beneath the bed. She was met by Rever's worried expression, his gaze searching her for any indication of anguish.
She faked a smile and said, "I'm fine." "I'm just... exhausted."
He didn't press her, but he didn't appear persuaded. "Aim for some sleep. In the morning, we will discuss this further.
With a nod, Sharon shut the door after him. Sleep, however, was the last thing on her mind as she slipped back into bed. She was cruelly reminded that her journey was just getting started by the words of the letter, which lingered in her consciousness.
She had only one idea when the first rays of daylight peeked through the curtains: she had to know the truth, no matter the cost.
Hours later, while the pack was getting ready for the day, Sharon quietly left her chamber. She walked to the shaman's room, holding the letter closely. She was the one who could help her find the truth.
However, she was stopped in her tracks by a terrifying conclusion when she arrived at the chamber. There was a slight smell of blood in the air, and the door was open.
"No," she said as she pushed the door open.
The shaman's silver hair was tangled with blood as she lay on the ground. One phrase was scribbled on the wall in scarlet, and her lifeless eyes gazed up at the ceiling.
TRAITOR.
The room whirled around Sharon, and she gasped. This person was aware of the prophecy. Additionally, they wouldn't give up until they got her.
There was a shadow behind her. She had additional questions and a terrifying certainty after turning just in time to watch a figure vanish into the night.
The quest was on.